Overview & Reviews

The Chrysler Sebring was one of only a handful of reasonably priced midsize vehicles to be offered as both a sedan and a convertible. There were some Sebring highlights over the years, including the fun-in-the-sun convertible and the second-generation coupe, which shared a platform with the Mitsubishi Eclipse. But overall, the Sebring was typically outclassed by other models in terms of refinement and performance.

The Sebring did receive a major update for 2011, but with it also came a name change; it's now known as the Chrysler 200.

Most Recent Chrysler Sebring
The most-recent, third-generation Chrysler Sebring was introduced as a sedan for 2007 and convertible for '08. Production lasted until 2010. After that, Chrysler made major updates and renamed the car the Chrysler 200.

Both Sebring body styles were available in LX, Touring and Limited trims, while the convertible could be had with either a traditional soft-top design or a retractable hardtop. Base Sebrings started out reasonably well-equipped with full power accessories, front side-impact and full-length head curtain airbags, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a six-CD changer and, on the convertible, a power vinyl top (cloth was optional). Touring models got 17-inch alloy wheels and a lengthier options list, while the top-of-the-line Limited featured leather trim, automatic climate control and a premium audio system. Options included a hard-drive navigation/audio system.

Stability control was standard on the Touring and Limited trims until 2010, when it strangely was added to the options list. Meanwhile, antilock brakes were optional on the base LX. These items were standard on almost every competitor, and we highly recommend making sure a used Sebring is equipped with these essential safety features.

Standard on most Sebrings was a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine rated for 173 horsepower. A four-speed automatic transmission routed power to the front wheels. Until 2010, a 2.7-liter V6 good for 189 hp was optional on the Sebring Touring sedan and standard on Sebring Touring and Limited convertibles. Available on Limited models only was a 235-hp 3.5-liter V6 backed by a more sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission. Prior to 2010, all-wheel drive was also available with the 3.5-liter V6, though fuel economy suffered.

In reviews, we found the third-generation Sebring sedan to be about as bad as it got in the midsize segment. It was below average in most respects, ranking far behind segment leaders. The ride quality was comfortable enough, but braking and handling were well below average. The base four-cylinder was adequately powerful and fuel efficient, but it was unrefined, while the optional V6 was underpowered and inefficient. Cabin design was ergonomically sound, but the quality of the interior plastics was poor for this price range. These attributes apply to the convertible as well, but there's some inherent desirability to the convertible since there were fewer competing convertible models.

Previous Chrysler Sebring Models
In 2001 Chrysler introduced the second-generation Sebring sedan and reworked coupes and convertibles powered by updated engines and transmissions. The coupe shared a platform with Mitsubishi's Eclipse. At the top of the heap was a 3.0-liter V6 cranking out 200 hp. It was initially available only in the LXi coupe. Standard in convertibles and LXi sedans was the Chrysler-built 2.7-liter V6 rated at 200 hp. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder was also available. In early reviews we praised the Sebring for its good looks, solid performance, competitive pricing and wide range of body styles.

Minor updates followed in successive years, and Chrysler shuffled the trim levels on a nearly annual basis: The familiar Sebring LX and LXi models ultimately gave way to GTC, TSi, Touring and Limited trim levels. Note that the Sebring coupe was discontinued after the 2005 model year, while the Sebring convertible and sedan continued through 2006.

As time went by, the second-generation Chrysler Sebring became increasingly uncompetitive. In later tests, we found that its drivetrains were unrefined; its ride quality was harsh (particularly in the sedan); and its build and interior materials quality were well below average. Though it wouldn't hurt for used-car shoppers to take a look at the Sebring -- especially those interested in the model-year range of the late '90s to early 2000s -- it's probably wise to consider other options before making a final decision.

The original Sebring was launched in 1995 as Chrysler's new midsize coupe. Mechanically, it was related to the Mitsubishi Galant of the same period. Available in LX or LXi trim, the Sebring coupe came with a 163-hp, 2.5-liter V6 and a standard four-speed automatic. At the time, the vehicle's best attributes were its sporty and purposeful exterior styling and roomy (for a coupe) interior. Despite a steeply raked windshield and roof line, headroom fore and aft was adequate even for adults, and the trunk impressed us with its size. The biggest downside was the V6's marginal performance.

The first-generation Chrysler Sebring convertible debuted a year later. However, this model was based on Chrysler's own platform, which was related to the Breeze/Cirrus/Stratus compacts. At the time the car brought class, dignity and a bit of luxury to this otherwise whimsical segment, and it became quite successful.

User Reviews:

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  DO NOT BUY - 1997 Chrysler Sebring
  By SFTURBEVILLE - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2000 WITH JUST OVER 30,000 MILES. ONCE THE ODOMETER REACHED 36K THE PROBLEMS STARTED. I CURRENTLY OWN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE PUT CLOSE TO 10K DOLLARS INTO KEEPING IT ON THE ROAD. THERE HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE THAT MY CAR HAS SPENT MORE TIME WITH THE MECHANIC THAN I HAVE SPENT IN IT. I SAY AGAIN DO NOT BUY THIS CAR.

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  SEBRING - 2004 Chrysler Sebring
  By douglas hunt - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I PARENTS ALWAYS HAD A CHRYLSER PRODUCT AND THIS IS MY THIRD. I AM 110 PERCENT SATIFIED WITH THE SEBRING. I WOULD RECOMMEND ANYBODY TO BUY IT. IT FUN TO DRIVE NICE LOOKING AND DEPENDED.

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  My aching back - 2002 Chrysler Sebring
  By Returned after 1 day - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic Car. Great bang for the buck. I could not get comfortable in the seats (they gave me a back ache) and thus returned the car. If you like the seats, youll love the car.

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  Great car with room to share. - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Ecommish - August 10 - 2:00 am

  The Limited Convertible is great! The two-tone seats are always an attention grabber, and it is roomy enough for four adults. I have had no mechanical problems, and it drives like a larger car. The only draw backs are the gas mileage (especially with the gas prices being as high as they are), and visibility with the top up is hampered.

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  Great ride and Fun to drive - 1999 Chrysler Sebring
  By Donk - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! Fun to drive, and handles great! If it just had a little more horse power, it would be perfect! By the way, my top is 4 years old, and it in great shape!

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  The Fun Convertible - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By mneben - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Its a head-turner. Everyone remarks at the good looks. Its a smooth riding, relatively quiet (for a convertible), comfortable car. Air conditioning is a bit weak to start but gains cool as it goes. Nice features, easy ergonomics.

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  I love this car - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By keithestabrook - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car for someone who wants an affordable ragtop. The 2.5 liter Mitsubishi engine is reliable and spirited. I expect it to last in excess of 200,000 miles. Buying my car one- year old with 27,000 miles, I picked up a former rental for just about half of what it cost new. My only aggrevations with the car are wind noise from the windshield header and a left-side A- piller drip when it rains.

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  Beware - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Gregaaaaa - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Very poor construction and the quality of parts is bad. Brakes fell apart at 30K. I mean the rotors virtually fell apart. Tranny went at 50K. The car eats tires which is a sign of poor components.

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  Unsatisfied customer! - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By UNhappy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has nickel and dimed me to death! I have had electronic problems, ie, the panic alarm goes off for no reason.. It had to be fixed twice in two years. The front end is way too low. It scrapes on parking curbs. I have had the transmission lock in low gear three times in two years. The rims have bent on three ocassions and I am a very cautious driver. It also has a very poor turning radius.

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  I love this car - 2000 Chrysler Sebring
  By Theresa - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the most fun car I have ever had. It’s stylish & attractive, roomy interior, enough room for 4 full size adults! Great sound system. Top is simple to operate, can be done by 1 female with no problems. Surprisingly quiet ride. Quick and peppy. Great gas mileage. Its very comfortable and fun to drive. Weve had a little problem with tire and brake wear and when seemingly small things go wrong, they are quite expensive to repair seems you cant just fix the broken part, you have to buy the whole assemblies, like the wheel bearing at 50K and A/C at 60K. My dealership service has been EXCELLENT.